In the resurrection we discover a God whose very Son suffers the worst of human evil. The resurrection is the most profound response to the question of evil and is an exceptional resource for hope and resilience. Some have resented the idea of God or a loving God, while others have refused to pray or believe in prayer since the last great need I prayed for never came through. It is unfortunate, but many have lost hope in life, become cynical and pessimistic and believe the best antidote for disappointment is not to expect much in the first place. This has continued to be a real struggle for many – why do we suffer so greatly, why the losses and the pains, why the disappointments and betrayals? Why does it seem that those who do evil and wrong seem to benefit more than those who try to do right? This struggle is compounded by the biblical view of God as one who is all-powerful and all-loving as many cannot fathom, if I am loved then why am I going through this? In fact, if I am loved by a God who has the power to change things, then why are things the way they are?
It’s the kind of struggle that caused Mary and Martha to greet Jesus with the words – Lord if you were here my brother would not have died (John 11) or the psalmist: why does the wicked prosper (Psalm 94:3)? The kind of struggle that gave rise to the story and book of Job. Our experiences of evil, suffering and pain have not only affected us physically and existentially, but also caused great emotional stress and psychological, theological and intellectual wrestlings. The struggle with evil, suffering and pain (not the same things), has been one of the perennial battles for human persons in the mind, spirit, and body. One of the most important messages of the resurrection is the triumph of good over evil. A phrase that has been considered variously over the years perhaps because it encapsulates the very essence of the resurrection – victory over sin, darkness and evil. This celebratory, triumphant spirit in this hymn seems to reflect the approach used in the gospels, particularly John “Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark” (John 20.1). It is perhaps one of the more catchy and loved hymns and phrases for Resurrection Sunday. “Up from the Grave He arose with a mighty triumph o’er his foes” Robert Lowry (1826-1899).
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